Description
Irresistible caramelitas reveal layers of chocolate and caramel nestled between buttery oat crumbles. Midwest bakers cherish this sweet bar as a crowd-pleasing dessert you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (227 g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (220 g) brown sugar, packed
- 1 ¼ cups (156 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 cup (90 g) old-fashioned oats
- 1 cup (170 g) semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 bag (11 oz/312 g) caramel bits or 30 soft caramels, unwrapped
- ¼ cup (60 ml) heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Prep Station: Preheat oven to 350F and line a square baking pan with parchment paper, ensuring complete coverage for effortless removal.
- Base Construction: Combine melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla into a smooth mixture, then fold in flour, oats, baking soda, and salt to create a crumbly texture.
- Initial Baking: Press half the oat mixture firmly into the prepared pan, creating an even foundation. Bake for 10 minutes until edges turn a light golden brown.
- Caramel Infusion: While crust bakes, melt caramels with heavy cream in a saucepan, stirring continuously until achieving a silky, uniform sauce.
- Layering Technique: Sprinkle chocolate chips across the warm crust, then pour the molten caramel evenly over the surface, ensuring complete coverage.
- Final Assembly: Gently distribute remaining oat mixture across the caramel layer, creating a rustic, textured topping.
- Final Bake: Return to oven and bake 15-18 minutes until the surface reaches a deep golden color and edges bubble with intensity.
- Cooling Ritual: Remove from oven and allow to cool completely for approximately two hours, enabling caramel to set and flavors to meld perfectly before cutting into indulgent squares.
Notes
- Prevent Sticky Situation: Generously grease or line the baking pan with parchment paper to ensure easy removal and prevent the caramel from clinging to the sides.
- Control Caramel Consistency: Melt caramels slowly and stir continuously to avoid burning, creating a smooth, glossy sauce that perfectly coats the layers.
- Manage Moisture Balance: Allow the base to cool completely before adding caramel and chocolate to prevent soggy layers and maintain a crisp, textured foundation.
- Customize Dietary Needs: Swap regular flour with gluten-free alternatives, use dairy-free chocolate chips, and substitute vegan caramel sauce to accommodate different dietary restrictions while preserving the dessert’s rich, indulgent character.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 17
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 90 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg